Harsh Reality

Jasmine got to James's apartment and, wow, it was huge. We were welcomed by the maids and guards. Jasmine could not believe that James lived all alone in this mansion.

I am sure everything is to your liking, James said.

Are you kidding me, this house is amazing. Jasmine Said happily

Listen to me carefully. You are not to interfere in my personal life, neither will I interfere in yours, James said.

I knew I was not expecting anything more, Jasmine said.

We are going to be sleeping in separate rooms unless, of course, if my parents come around, only then will we sleep together in the same room until they are gone, James said.

Anything else, Jasmine asked

No love is going to be involved, so do not expect any form of affection or care from me. If you need anything, you have to inform the maids, James said, and left.

Jasmine stood there shocked, wondering where all the caring and loving James showed had gone. All of a sudden, the maid called out to her and directed Jasmine to the room she would be staying in. It was decorated according to her likeness and she had no complaints.

Jasmine took her bath and was in the middle of arranging her luggage when she heard a knock, Ma'am your food is ready, the maid called out to her. I will be down any minute. Jasmine responded.

Getting down, she was surprised to see that James was already seated. She sat down, not sparing a glance at James. James was surprised at this but bothered not to say anything. Jasmine was served, and she began eating. When she was done, she thanked the maid and was about to go to her room when James stopped her.

Please get dressed. In the evening, we will be going out to a party organized by my business partners, James said.

I am not interested in attending any party. You can go on without me, Jasmine said.

I am not seeking your permission. Get dressed and be down by 7pm, James said.

No I would not, Jasmine said.

I am your husband, you will listen to me," James said angrily.

That does not mean you get to control me, Jasmine said.

This is very important for both of us. Do not ruin this for us, I will be expecting you, James said, and Jasmine angrily left and went to her room.

Who does he think he is? How dare he try to control me? Jasmine looked at her phone and realized it was already four o'clock in the evening, with just two hours left to get ready. Jasmine rushed into the bathroom to take her bath. Jasmine wore a black silk dress with a touch of gold fitting perfectly, paring with the gold chain and heels she wore, Jasmine did her makeup and curled her hair. Looking in the mirror, Jasmine was satisfied with her appearance. Jasmine looked at her phone and realized it was already six o'clock in the evening. She hurriedly left her room and went downstairs. James was already waiting for her, looking dashing in the suit that he wore. James extended his right hand to Jasmine, but she refused to take it and sat inside the car. James was surprised by this but did not say anything. He entered and started to drive to the venue. Everywhere was silent for a while until James decided to speak up.

The party is organized by my business partners as I had said earlier, so we have to show that we are deeply in love to avoid suspicion, James said.

Okay, Jasmine responded.

On getting to the venue, James came down, opened the door for Jasmine and held her hand.

Does the acting include holding hands, Jasmine whispered?

Yes it does, just play along, James said.

As soon as James and Jasmine were sighted, everyone came to celebrate and congratulate the new couple. Jasmine was getting uncomfortable and decided to use the bathroom.

Excuse me ? I would like to use the bathroom, Jasmine told James.

Should I follow you, James asked.

No I will be alright, Jasmine said and left.

Entering the bathroom, Jasmine splashed some water on her face trying to calm herself. As she was about to leave, an unknown lady entered and spoke to her.

Congratulations on your wedding. She greeted

Thank you, Jasmine said

Enjoy it while it lasts, James is mine. I am not sure how he got married to you, but you had better watch your back, she said.

Is James your crush? It is really so sad to see that he is now off the market. Jasmine said, taunting her

James is mine and will always be, she said.

Keep dreaming, girl. Some dreams do not ever come true and now, please excuse me, I am going back to my darling husband. Jasmine said, as she was about to leave the bathroom, the unknown lady took a pair of scissors and cut the straps on Jasmine's dress, while Jasmine was not aware of this, but as soon as she exited the bathroom, Jasmine's dress fell off. Surprised by this, she quietly hid behind one of the pillars away from the crowd. Jasmine took her phone and called James several times, but he was not picking up her calls. A lady was passing by when Jasmine decided to call her attention. The lady turned to find who had called out to her, and eventually she saw Jasmine. She got closer and realized that Jasmine's straps were already cut off.

What happened, the lady asked.

I do not understand how the straps of my dress got cut, but could you please find me a new dress to wear jasmine pleaded

Sure, the lady said and left,

A few minutes passed, the lady returned with a new dress in hand.

I do not know if it is your size, but it should fit you, the lady said.

Thank you so much, Jasmine said.

You are welcome," the lady said.

What is your name? Jasmine asked

My name is Ciara. She said

Nice to meet you. My name is Jasmine.

I know who you are. It is nice to meet you too.

Can I have your number? Jasmine asked and gave her phone to Ciara. Ciara typed in her number and returned the phone.

I will call you, thank you once again, Jasmine said, and left to search for her husband James". There he was chatting and laughing with his friends. On sighting Jasmine, James looked confused about the change of clothes but decided to approach her.

What is with the change of clothes, James asked, looking at her weirdly.

We should leave now, Jasmine said.

We can not leave now. I still have to introduce you to the rest of my business partners, James.

I do not care about them. I want to leave now, Jasmine said.

Then go if you want to, James said and Jasmine left.

James could not believe that Jasmine could actually leave and hoped that she had reached home safely.

Jasmine angrily left the party, started walking hoping to catch a cab on her way. Looking at her phone, she realized it was already eleven o'clock. She contemplated returning to the party, but she could not and decided to wait for a cab. As she was waiting, a guy Jasmine had seen from the party stopped beside her and asked if she needed a ride. She hesitated at first but decided to go because he seemed nice. As they reached her house, Jasmine thanked the guy for his kindness and help.

It is no problem, he said.

What is your name ? Jasmine asked.

My name is Desmond, he said.

Thank you, Desmond, Jasmine said once again and got out of his car and walked into the apartment.

James did not return home until it was three o'clock in the morning, but he did not return home alone but with a lady. Jasmine hid in the darkness and watched as James kissed the lady. Jasmine saw her face and realized that it was the lady that confronted her in the bathroom while she was at the party.